Distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic accidents in San Antonio and throughout Texas. When a truck driver is distracted, the consequences can be particularly severe. At Hill Law Firm, our San Antonio truck accident attorneys can help you navigate an injury claim against a truck driver or trucking company for a distracted driving accident. We offer free initial case reviews.
Why Choose Us?
- We have a 99 percent case success rate and have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injured accident victims. At Hill Law Firm, you won’t pay your lawyer unless you win.
- Your distracted driving truck accident lawyer will dedicate personalized attention and care to your case. We always put our clients first.
- Our founder, Justin Hill, has written papers on 18-wheeler accident law that have been presented at multiple continuing legal education programs.
How a San Antonio Distracted Truck Driving Accident Attorney Can Help
An experienced distracted truck driving accident lawyer in San Antonio can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. Your lawyer can investigate the crash to search for evidence of distracted truck driving, such as cell phone records or the truck’s black box.
If necessary, your distracted truck driving accident lawyer in San Antonio can hire crash reconstruction experts and medical experts to strengthen your case. You can trust your distracted truck driving accident lawyer to handle your claim in a way that preserves your best interests and seeks maximum financial compensation for your losses. Meanwhile, you can focus on healing from your injuries.
Truck Drivers and Cell Phone Laws
Cell phone use is the most common type of distracted driving. Under federal trucking rules and regulations, commercial motor vehicle drivers are prohibited from texting or using handheld mobile devices while operating their vehicles. This includes holding a mobile phone to conduct voice communication or dialing a number by pressing more than one button. The only form of cell phone use that is allowed by truck drivers is hands-free.
If a commercial driver is caught using a cell phone while driving, he or she could receive a fine of up to $2,750. In addition, trucking companies are prohibited from permitting or requiring their truck drivers to use handheld mobile devices while driving. Trucking companies can be fined up to $11,000 for breaking this rule. If a distracted truck driver causes a traffic accident, he or she could also face civil liability.
A truck driver who is distracted by a cell phone, food or drink, a map or GPS, the radio, passengers, billboards, personal grooming, daydreaming, or other distractions can be held responsible for a subsequent truck accident. A distracted trucker may not notice changing roadway situations in time to apply the brakes and prevent a collision. This can lead to catastrophic truck accidents such as rear-end collisions, 18-wheeler accidents, override accidents, and intersection accidents.
If an investigation discovers that a truck driver caused a traffic accident due to a distraction, the trucking company that hired the driver can most likely be held vicariously liable. Vicarious liability is a rule that holds employers legally responsible for the negligent actions of their employees. Even if a truck driver is an independent contractor, this rule can apply and make the trucking company liable for damages.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney in San Antonio Today
If you or someone you love was recently injured in a truck accident involving a distracted truck driver in San Antonio or the surrounding cities, don’t hesitate to contact the personal injury attorneys in San Antonio from Hill Law Firm for legal advice and assistance. Hill Law Firm has been representing clients in commercial truck accident cases for many years.
We offer free initial consultations over the phone or at our law office, conveniently located at 445 Recoleta Road, San Antonio, Texas, 78216. Call (210) 960-3939 to schedule a free case review.